UC Irvine opened Big West play against rival Long Beach State on Sept. 25, competing through three sets at the Bren Events Center before the Beach earned a 25-13, 25-17, 25-17 victory.
The match began evenly, with the teams tied 4-4. Long Beach State then created separation behind aserving run and an 11-2 stretch, taking control of the first set. UCI responded with a Madison Triplett kill, a Long Beach State error and a Kaia Ciszewski ace, but the visitors closed the set, 25-13.
The Anteaters showed more resistance in the second set, scoring the opening two points and staying within reach. Long Beach State pulled ahead midway through, though, and held its advantage. A Triplett solo block helped UCI narrow the gap, but the Beach finished the set 25-17.
Long Beach State built an early lead again in the third. UCI kept competing at the net, and another solo block from Triplett helped bring the Anteaters closer. Consecutive kills from Triplett and Memphis Burnett sparked a short run, but the visitors maintained control and completed the sweep, 25-17.
UCI’s defense made its presence felt in the back row, finishing with 51 digs to Long Beach State’s 49. Whitney Wallace led all players with 17 digs. Triplett recorded a team-high eight kills and two solo blocks, while Ava Gronemeyer added five kills and hit .455 in two sets.
The difference came at the net. Long Beach State recorded 12 blocks to UCI’s four and held the Anteaters to a -.034 hitting percentage. Sidney Hamaker led the Beach with 10 kills, while Chloe Johnson contributed nine.
The Black and Blue Rivalry opened the conference schedule for both teams. UCI had stretches of strong defense and timely plays at the net, but Long Beach State’s blocking and steady attack proved decisive in Irvine.
